Obituary: The Honorable Charles M. McGowan, former Dedham Selectman

(From George F. Doherty & Sons)

The Honorable Charles M. "Charlie" McGowan of Dedham, 89, died May 26, 2013.

He was the beloved husband of the late Irene (Ralph) McGowan. Charlie is survived by his three children: Alicen J. and husband, Gerald Unger of Chicago, Charles M. McGowan Jr. Esq. and his wife, Leslie of Westwood, Craig J. McGowan and his wife, Christine of East Sandwich, eight loving grandchildren, Sasha and, Arlen Gerritson, Courtney McNeil, Sara Shehata, Christian McGowan, Taryn, Ryan, and Scott McGowan and five great grandchildren. Charlie was one of nine brothers all born and raised in Boston. His only remaining brother, Bernard, resides in Florida.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Charlie spent many years as a real estate appraiser and broker before entering local and state politics.

The Former Assistant Clerk Magistrate of the Dedham District Court, he served as a member, and later chairman of the Dedham Board of Selectman and was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1968-1978. He then served as the Sergeant at Arms for the House of Representatives for 10 years prior to retiring in 1988.

He received his Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree from Framingham State College. He was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Mass Legislators Association and Norfolk County Selectman's Association. Charlie was a long time member of the Norfolk County Golf Club. He was a Trustee of 'Norfolk', a scratch golfer most of his playing days and sank three hole in one drives in his lifetime.

The funeral will be from the George F. Doherty & Sons, Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St., Dedham, Friday, May 31, at 10 a.m. and the funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Dedham at 11 a.m. The visiting hours will be Thursday, May 30, 3-7  p.m.. Interment is in Brookdale Cemetery, Dedham. Arrangements are being handled by George F. Doherty & Sons in Dedham.

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Charlie's memory to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or at Jimmyfund.org.